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Napoli rubbish Balotelli racism rumours

The Partenopei have stressed that no player has ever been on the receiving end of racist chants at the San Paolo after the striker was seen crying

Napoli have released a statement insisting that Mario Balotelli was not racially abused during AC Milan’s 3-1 loss at the San Paolo on Saturday.

The Italy international was pictured crying during the loss, sparking rumours that he was the victim of racial taunts during the match – allegations the Partenopei have swiftly denied.

“In relation to some suggestions on Facebook saying that Mario Balotelli cried on Saturday at the stadium because of racist chants against him, Napoli would like to point out that there were no racist chants towards him, just as there have never been any racist chants to anyone at the San Paolo,” the statement read.

Milan had taken an early lead in Naples thanks to Adel Taarabt, but Gokhan Inler soon equalised before Gonzalo Higuain settled the match in Napoli’s favour with a second-half double.

Despite a revival of sorts under new coach Clarence Seedorf, Milan are currently 10th in Serie A, some 18 points behind Napoli, who occupy the third and final Champions League spot.